Dietary contribution of iron from limestone and dicalcium phosphate for broiler chickens.

Iron is routinely supplemented in broiler feeds aiming to prevent dietary deficiencies. Limestone and phosphates are very rich in Fe; however, its contribution from these sources have not been thoroughly investigated with chickens. The present research was conducted to evaluate live performance and blood parameters of broilers when using limestone and dicalcium phosphate as sources of Fe. A total of 576 one-day-old male Cobb x Cobb 500 were allocated into a total of 72 battery cages, 6 treatments with 12 replication cages of 8 chicks at placement. Chicks were fed diets formulated with corn, soybean meal (SBM) with laboratory grade calcium carbonate and phosphoric acid (having traces of Fe). All chicks were fed a common prestarter without Fe supplementation (analyzed total 58.2 ± 2.4 mg/kg Fe) from placement to 7 d. Allocation of birds to dietary treatments was completely randomized on day 8. Treatments had increasing Fe derived from commercial limestone and dicalcium phosphate (analyzed Fe 7,218 and 4,783 mg/kg, respectively) progressively replacing calcium carbonate and phosphoric acid to provide graded increases in total Fe (analyzed Fe in the feeds were 57.6 ± 2.1, 92.0 ± 2.3, 124.1 ± 2.7, 159.3 ± 3.1, 187.2 ± 3.2, 223.7 ± 3.6 mg/kg, respectively). There were no effects of dietary Fe on live performance, hematocrit, and hemoglobin the end of the study on day 28 (P > 0.05). Increasing dietary Fe from commercial limestone and dicalcium phosphate led to a linear reduction in the percent ileal digestible Fe. However, linear increments in Fe retention, serum ferritin and liver Fe occurred when compared to feeds without Fe derived from limestone and phosphate dicalcium. It is concluded that Fe from limestone and dicalcium phosphate can be partially utilized by broiler chickens. It was estimated that the Fe retained from limestone and dicalcium phosphate is of 1.9%. Broilers fed corn-soy feeds (58.2 mg/kg Fe) do not require supplemental Fe.

Butyrate supplementation in the liquid diet of dairy calves leads to a rapid recovery from diarrhea and reduces its occurrence and relapses in the preweaning period.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous butyrate administration in dairy calves' liquid diet considering diarrhea, metabolic profile, gastrointestinal development, and corporal growth. Immediately after birth, calves were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 62 calves (50 females and 12 males), with access to water and a solid feed ad libitum. The butyrate group (BG) received 4 g/d of sodium butyrate (Admix Easy, Adisseo) diluted in the whole milk, and the control group (CG) received whole milk with no supplementation. Sodium butyrate was administered from d 1 of life until the weaning at 90 d. Feces consistency was assessed daily for the first 30 d of life and characterized by scores from 0 to 4 (0 and 1 for normal, and 2, 3, and 4 for abnormal feces). Diarrhea was diagnosed when the animals had abnormal feces and fever. Morbidity, recurrence, mortality, and lethality data were recorded and compared between the groups. Average daily gain (ADG) and corporal growth (body weight, thoracic perimeter, height at the withers, and croup width) were evaluated weekly, from the first day to d 30, and later at 45, 60, and 90 d of life. Blood samples were taken weekly for up to 30 d to determine the circulating levels of total calcium, phosphorus, chloride, bicarbonate, glucose, ß-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids. The males were euthanized at 15 (n = 6 per group) and 30 d (n = 6 per group) for morphometric, histological, and gene expression analysis of the gastrointestinal tract. The results showed that the BG had a lower rate of morbidity (BG = 30% vs. CG = 50%) and recurrence (BG = 26.7% vs. CG = 60%) of diarrhea than the CG. In addition, the BG had abnormal feces for a shorter period (BG = 4.64 ± 0.47 d vs. CG = 8.6 ± 0.65 d). The ADG tended to be higher in BG than CG up to 30 and 60 d. Metabolic evaluations showed the lowest levels of glucose and highest levels of nonesterified fatty acids in BG. On d 30 of life, rumen papillae length, papilla area, duodenum villus length, and crypt depth were higher in BG than in CG. The duodenal gene expression at 30 d showed that animals with diarrhea episodes that did not receive butyrate had the highest levels of transcripts for the LCT and GLP2 genes. In addition, in different ways, both butyrate and neonatal diarrhea affected the gene expression of IGF1, SLC5A1, and AQP3. These results allow us to conclude that continuous supplementation with sodium butyrate improves gastrointestinal development, reduces the occurrence of diarrhea, and makes clinical conditions milder with faster recovery, favoring a higher ADG in the first 30 and 60 d of life. Based on these results, we conclude that sodium butyrate can be indicated for liquid diet supplementation to accelerate gastrointestinal tract development and prevent severe cases of neonatal diarrhea, tending to improve average daily gain until weaning.

Trypanosomatids in Phlebotomine Sand Flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) From Anthropic and Sinantropic Landscapes in a Rural Settlement in the Brazilian Amazon.

Trypanosomatids (Kinetoplastida:Trypanosomatidae) protozoa are a diverse group of obligate parasites. The genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania are the most studied because of their medical importance. This work aims to evaluate the effects of anthropization processes on the composition of the phlebotomine sand fly fauna and the natural infection by Trypanosomatids, with emphasis on Leishmania. At all 3,186 sand flies were collected, distributed in 13 genera and 52 species, being Ny. umbratilis the most abundant species. There was no difference in the diversity between canopy and soil environments. The species abundance and richness were higher in the forest environment while species diversity and evenness were highest in the forest edge. The ITS1 region was used by PCR-RFLP to identify the fragment profiles of Leishmania species, followed by genetic sequencing. Here were analyzed 100 pools of female sand flies, being six positive for DNA parasite. PCR-RFLP fragment patterns similar to Endotrypanum sp. were observed in Nyssomyia anduzei, Psychodopygus amazonensis and Lutzomyia gomezi, and those fragments similar to Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis were observed in Bichromomyia flaviscutellata. ITS1 sequencing confirmed the presence of Leishmania sp. in Bi. flaviscutellata, and Leishmania (Viannia) naiffi in Ny. anduzei, Psychodopygus amazonensis, and Lu. gomezi. This is the first record of Lu. gomezi and Ps. amazonensis infection by L. naiffi in the State of Amazonas. These results show the trypanosomatid infection in sandflies from different landscapes in a rural settlement, and the finding of species infected with L.(V.) naiffi suggest that they can develop a role in the transmission cycle of leishmaniasis.

Frequência cardíaca, lactacidemia e gasto energético de equinos da raça Crioula em provas credenciadoras ao Freio de Ouro / [Heart rate, lactate concentration and energy expenditure of Creole breed horses during qualifying tests at Freio de Ouro]

Avaliações com o intuito de mensurar marcadores de eficiência na performance esportiva do cavalo Crioulo são escassas e de fundamental importância no que tange às possíveis especificidades da raça. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar e determinar os padrões de frequência cardíaca, velocidade, concentração de lactato e gasto energético de equinos da raça Crioula durante provas credenciadoras ao Freio de Ouro. Tais variáveis foram avaliadas durante a realização das etapas funcionais da competição. Observaram-se flutuações superiores da variável frequência cardíaca (FC) durante a realização das etapas de Andadura, Figura, Volta sobre Patas e Esbarradas (And/fig/VSP) (203bpm) e menores valores na etapa Paleteada II (185bpm) (P<0,05). Em relação à velocidade, o maior valor atingido foi registrado na etapa de Paleteada II (39,7km/h). A concentração de lactato sanguíneo aferida se mostrou elevada em todas as fases da competição, sendo o maior valor observado na etapa de Paleteada II (14,5mmol/L) (P<0,05) e o menor durante a etapa de Mangueira I (9,3mmol/L). Superior gasto energético foi atribuído à etapa de And/Fig/VSP (853,28kcal/kgPV/min). Portanto, todas as etapas funcionais podem ser classificadas como anaeróbias, por apresentarem concentrações de lactato sanguíneo acima de 4mmol/L, e demandam alto gasto energético pelos competidores.(AU)

Evaluations of athletic performance markers of Crioulo breed horses are scarce yet fundamentally important regarding possible unique characteristics of this breed. This study aimed to evaluate and determine heart rate, speed, blood lactate and energy expenditure patterns of Crioulo breed horses during qualifying tests in the functional phases of the "Freio de Ouro" championship. Higher values of heart rate during the phases "andadura, figura, voltas sobre patas, esbarradas" (And/Fig/VSP) (203bpm) and lower values at "Paleteada II" (185bpm) (P<0.05) were noticed. Regarding speed variable, the maximum value was registered at "Paleteada II" (39.7km/h). During all the phases, blood lactate concentration was high, with the highest value found at "Paleteada II" (14.5mm/L) and the lowest during "Mangueira I" (9.3mm/L) (P<0.05). Superior energy expenditure was noticed in the "And/Fig/VSP" phase (853.28Kcal/kgPV/min). Thus, all functional phases can be classified as anaerobic, as blood lactate concentrations remained above 4mmol/L, with high energy demand of the horses.(AU)

Enrofloxacina de rápida ação associada ao tratamento com eletrólitos orais e reposição energética no tratamento de broncopneumonia neonatal em bezerros Holandeses / Fast action enrofloxacin associated with support treatment with oral electrolyte and energy replacement in the treatment of neonatal bronchopneumonia in Holstein calves

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar estratégias terapêuticas para o tratamento de infecções broncopulmonares, utilizando a enrofloxacina de ação rápida e sua associação com suporte e fluidoterapia endovenosa ou suporte e solução oral energética e eletrolítica, por meio da mensuração de parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos, bioquímicos e desenvolvimento corporal de neonatos bovinos. Foram utilizadas 35 bezerras da raça Holandesa, monitoradas desde o nascimento até a sexta semana de vida, divididas aleatoriamente nos grupos: grupo CONTROLE; grupo antibiótico; grupo antibiótico + suporte + fluidoterapia endovenosa; grupo antibiótico + suporte + solução oral; e grupo SUPORTE. Os parâmetros zootécnicos foram avaliados do nascimento até a sexta semana de vida, e os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos foram avaliados zero, 24, 72 e 120 horas após diagnóstico da broncopneumonia. Os animais do grupo antibiótico + suporte + solução oral apresentaram menores níveis de eosinófilos e maiores níveis de neutrófilos segmentados em comparação aos animais dos demais grupos. Não houve diferença nos parâmetros zootécnicos avaliados. Neste estudo, o tratamento com antibiótico e solução oral ofereceu aos animais melhor aporte para combater a broncopneumonia, favorecendo o organismo a desenvolver uma resposta imune efetiva diante da infecção.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate therapeutic strategies for treatment of bronchopulmonary infections using fast-acting enrofloxacin and its association with support and endovenous fluid or support and oral energy and electrolytic solution, by measuring clinical, hematological, biochemical and development parameters of bovine neonates. Thirty-five Holstein calves, monitored from birth to six weeks of age, were randomly divided into five groups: control group; antibiotic group; antibiotic group + support + intravenous fluid therapy; antibiotic group + support + oral solution; and support group. The performance parameters were evaluated from birth to the 6th week of age and hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated 0, 24, 72 and 120 hours after diagnosis of bronchopneumonia. Calves of the antibiotic group + support + oral solution group presented lower levels of eosinophils and higher levels of segmented neutrophils compared to the other groups. There was no difference in performance parameters evaluated. In this study, the treatment with antibiotic and oral solution offered the animals had a better contribution to treat bronchopneumonia, favoring the organism to develop an effective immune response to that infection.(AU)

Hematological and biochemical parameters of dairy calves submitted to pegbovigrastim administration.

This study was designed to evaluate the response of hematological and biochemical parameters submitted to pegbovigrastim administration and postchallenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In experiment 1, 20 newborn Holstein calves were divided into 2 groups: the Imrestor (Elanco Saúde Animal, São Paulo, Brazil) group (IMR, n = 10), which received a 25 µg/kg of body weight (BW) subcutaneous administration of pegbovigrastim, and the control group (CTR, n = 10), which received a subcutaneous administration of 0.9% saline solution. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 10, 12, and 14 relative to birth to analyze the biochemical and hematological parameters. Moreover, growth measurements were taken on d 0, 7, 14, 21, and 60 relative to birth. The number of total leukocytes in the IMR group increased on d 12 and 14 in comparison to the CTR group, as well as the counts of segmented neutrophils, band cells, and monocytes. No differences were observed in the other hematological, biochemical, and growth parameters. In experiment 2, 20 Holstein calves from 30 to 60 d old were divided into 4 groups: group 1 (LPS, n = 5) received a 0.25 µg/kg of BW single intravenous dose of Escherichia coli LPS at d 0; group 2 (IMR, n = 5) received a 25 µg/kg of BW subcutaneous dose of pegbovigrastim at d 1; group 3 (IMR + LPS, n = 5) received a 0.25 µg/kg of BW intravenous LPS dose at d 0 and a 25 µg/kg of BW subcutaneous dose of pegbovigrastim at d 1; and group 4 (CTR, n = 5) received an intravenous dose of 0.9% sodium chloride at d 0 and a subcutaneous dose of 0.9% sodium chloride at d 1. For the analysis of biochemical and hematological parameters, blood samples were collected on d -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 14, and 21 relative to LPS administration. An increase in the number of total leukocytes was observed in the IMR, IMR + LPS, and LPS groups, and the IMR group remained as the highest from d 2 to 21. The levels of paraoxonase 1 were higher in the IMR group compared with all the others. The administration of pegbovigrastim in the dairy calves increased the number of circulating leukocytes, especially neutrophils, with an increase in paraoxonase 1, without altering the metabolites for the hepatic function.

Effect of porcine somatotropin on metabolism, testicular size and sperm characteristics in young boars / Efeito da somatotrofina suína sobre o metabolismo, o tamanho testicular e a qualidade espermática de cachaços jovens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pST injections on metabolism, testicular size, and sperm characteristics in young boars. Sixty 22-day old piglets were divided into two groups: pST (n=30) and Control (n=30). The pST group was submitted to pST injections (90µg/kg body weight) every three days up to 330 days of age. Blood collections were performed weekly. Testicular weight was measures at 22, 82, 142, 202 and 365 days of age. Libido and fresh semen characteristics were evaluated between 150 and 210 days of age. Semen characteristics were also evaluated during a 72h storage period (15ºC). Testosterone, albumin, and phosphorus blood concentrations were higher in the pST group (P<0.05). The pST group had a higher IGF-I concentration in seminal plasma (P=0.05) and higher testicular weight (P<0.001) compared to the Control group. The pST group had higher ejaculate volume (P<0.001), total sperm count (P=0.047) and number of inseminating doses/ejaculate (P=0.047). During the 72h storage period, the pST group had a lower number of morphological alterations (P<0.001) compared to the Control group. In sum, pST injection in young boars increased testosterone concentration, testicular size, and sperm quality.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da administração de pST sobre o metabolismo, o tamanho testicular e a qualidade espermática de cachaços jovens. Foram usados leitões com 22 dias de idade, divididos em dois grupos: pST (n=30) e controle (n=30). O grupo pST foi submetido a injeções de pST (90µg/kg de peso vivo) a cada três dias até 330 dias de idade. Peso testicular foi avaliado aos 22, 82, 142, 202 e 365 dias de idade. Libido e qualidade do sêmen fresco foram avaliados entre 150 e 210 dias de idade. Qualidade espermática foi avaliada durante refrigeração (15ºC) por um período de 72 horas. Concentrações sanguíneas de testosterona, albumina e fósforo foram maiores no grupo pST (P<0,05). O grupo pST apresentou maior concentração de IGF-I no plasma seminal (P=0,05) e maior peso testicular, quando comparado ao grupo controle (P<0,001). O grupo pST apresentou maior volume espermático (P<0,001), concentração espermática (P=0,047) e número de doses espermáticas por ejaculado (P=0,047). Durante o período de 72 horas de refrigeração, o grupo pST teve menor número de patologias espermáticas (P<0,001). Assim, conclui-se que a administração de pST aumenta a concentração sanguínea de testosterona, o tamanho testicular e a qualidade espermática de cachaços jovens.(AU)

Parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos de novilhas com hipocalcemia subclínica pré-parto suplementadas com dieta aniônica / Anionic diet on clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters of heifers with subclinical hypocalcemia prepartum

A hipótese do presente estudo consiste em que uma dieta aniônica prolongada acarretaria uma mobilização mais rápida do cálcio sanguíneo. O objetivo proposto foi avaliar parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos de novilhas, com hipocalcemia subclínica, submetidas a diferentes períodos de fornecimento de dieta aniônica no pré-parto. Foram utilizadas nove novilhas da raça Holandês induzidas à hipocalcemia subclínica no pré-parto, divididas em três grupos: G0 = sem dieta aniônica antes da indução; G11 = 11 dias de dieta aniônica pré-indução; e G15 = 15 dias de dieta aniônica pré-indução. Foi realizado exame clínico antes e depois da indução, e avaliaram-se cálcio total e ionizado, magnésio e albumina nos dias -2, 0, 1, 2 e 3 (dia 0 = momento da indução) e parâmetros hematológicos nos dias 0, 1, 2 e 3. O G11 apresentou maiores concentrações de cálcio total e ionizado que o G0 e maiores níveis de cálcio total que o G15 (P<0,01). O magnésio teve maiores valores no G15 quando comparado aos outros grupos (P<0,01). O G0 apresentou os maiores valores de monócitos e neutrófilos bastonetes (P<0,01). A dieta aniônica por 11 dias é suficiente para manter a homeostase do cálcio e a resposta leucocitária em novilhas desafiadas a uma diminuição do cálcio sanguíneo.(AU)

This study's hypothesis is that cows receiving anionic diet for a longer period respond more quickly to decreased blood calcium. The aim was to evaluate the heifers' clinical, hematological, and biochemical parameters, with subclinical hypocalcemia, subjected to different periods of anionic diet supply during antepartum. Nine heifers were induced to subclinical hypocalcemia during antepartum, sorted in 3 groups: G0 = no anionic diet before induction; G11= eleven days of anionic diet before induction; and G15 = fifteen days of anionic diet before induction. Examinations were held before and after induction and total and ionized calcium, magnesium and albumin were evaluated from days -2, 0, 1, 2 and 3, day 0 being the moment of induction; hematologic parameters were evaluated at days 0, 1, 2 and 3. G11 presented a higher total and ionized calcium concentration than G0 and higher total calcium concentration than G15 (P < 0.01). Magnesium had its highest values at G15 when compared to the other two groups (P < 0.01). G0 presented its highest values of monocytes and neutrophils rods (P<0.01). The eleven days of anionic diet supply were enough to maintain calcium homeostasis and leukocyte response in heifers challenged to reduction in blood calcium.(AU)

Inoculação de proteína isolada de soja em ovos embrionados oriundos de matrizes semipesadas com diferentes idades / Isolated soy protein inoculation in embryonated eggs of semi heavy from matrices with different ages

Este estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos da inoculação de proteína isolada de soja (P.I.S.) em ovos embrionados de matrizes semipesadas com diferentes idades. Foram utilizados 320 ovos embrionados de matrizes semipesadas da linhagem Rhode Island Red com 35 e 70 semanas de idade. Ao 17º dia de incubação, os ovos foram inoculados com 0,5mL de solução diretamente na cavidade alantoide. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial (2 x 4), constituído por dois fatores: idades das matrizes (matrizes jovens e matrizes velhas) e soluções inoculadas (ovo íntegro; 0,5% de solução salina; 1% de P.I.S. + 0,5% de solução salina; e 2% de P.I.S. + 0,5% de solução salina), totalizando oito tratamentos contendo 40 ovos cada. Os dados coletados foram analisados pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. A inoculação de proteína isolada de soja apresentou efeito positivo sobre a relação pinto-ovo, porém sem proporcionar melhora nos rendimentos de incubação, no desenvolvimento dos órgãos e no desempenho de pintos na fase pré-inicial. A idade da matriz influenciou diretamente as variáveis avaliadas, em que ovos oriundos de aves velhas apresentaram maior peso, maior mortalidade embrionária na fase tardia, pintos mais pesados e pior conversão alimentar.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of inoculation of isolated soy protein (P.I.S.) in embryonated eggs of semi-heavy with different ages. 320 embryonated eggs were used from semi-heavy breeders of Rhode Island Red lineage with 35 and 70 weeks of age. In the 17th day of incubation, the eggs were inoculated with 0.5 ml of solution in the allantoic cavity. The experimental method was completely randomized in factorial scheme (2 x 4), consisting of two factors: matrices ages (young and old matrices) and inoculation solutions (non-inoculated eggs; 0.5% of saline solution; 1% of P.I.S. + 0.5% of saline solution; and 2% of P.I.S. + 0.5% of saline solution, totalling eight treatments containing 40 eggs each. The inoculation of isolated soy protein showed positive effect on the chick-egg relation, albeit without improving incubation yields, organ development and chicks's performance in the pre-initial phase. The age of the breeder directly influenced the variables evaluated, with eggs from older breeder showing better weight, higher embryonic mortality in late phase, heavier chicks and worse feed conversion.(AU)

Combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina no metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras após o parto / Combined of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin on the glucose metabolism of dairy cows after calving

A hipótese deste estudo é de que o uso da combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina pode melhorar a resistência periférica à insulina, aumentar a quantidade de glicose disponível para a glândula mamária e a produção de leite. Assim, o objetivo foi investigar os efeitos combinados de butafosfan e cianocobalamina sobre o metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras no período pós-parto. Vinte e uma vacas leiteiras foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo controle (CON, n= 11), que recebeu cinco aplicações de solução salina (20mL / animal 0,9% NaCl), e grupo Catosal(r) (ABC, n= 10), que recebeu cinco aplicações de 20mL de uma solução contendo as substâncias butafosfan e cianocobalamina (B12 Catosal(r), 100mg da substância butafosfan e 50µg de cianocobalamina por mL). As aplicações foram realizadas por via intramuscular, nos dias sete, 12, 17, 22 e 27 pós-parto. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas para a avaliação das concentrações plasmáticas de fósforo, glicose, ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE), albumina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e creatina quinase (CK). Nos dias oito e 28 pós-parto, os animais foram pesados e submetidos aos testes de tolerância à glicose e à insulina. O tratamento promoveu perda de peso (ABC 40,4kg, CON 10,73kg, P<0,05) e aumento da AST (ABC 62,92 ±3,31U/L, CON 53,11±3,49 U / L, P<0,05) e dos níveis de CK (ABC 134,09± 19,08U / L, CON 79,43 ± 18,27U / L). Os grupos não diferiram quanto ao metabolismo (área sob a curva) da glicose nos dias oito e 28, porém os animais tratados tiveram um aumento na glicemia (P<0,05) no dia 28 pós-parto (97,54 ± 8,54mg / dL), após a administração de insulina, em comparação ao dia oito (83,01 ± 8,54mg / dL). Assim, pode-se concluir que a combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina melhora a adaptação do metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras no início da lactação.(AU)

The hypothesis of this study is that the combined use of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin could enhance peripheral insulin resistance, increasing the amount of glucose available for the mammary gland and milk production. Thus, our aim was to investigate the combined effects of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin on the glucose metabolism in dairy cows during the postpartum period. Twenty one dairy cows were divided into two groups: Control Group (CON, n= 11), that received 5 injections of saline solution (20mL/animal 0.9 % NaCl), and Catosal group (ABC, n= 10) which received 5 injections of 20mL of a Butafosfan and Cyanocobalamin solution (Catosal(r) B12, 100mg of Butafosfan and 50µg Cyanocobalamin for mL). The injections were performed by intramuscular route, on days 7, 12, 17, 22 and 27 postpartum. Blood samples were taken on these days to evaluate plasma concentrations of phosphorus, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK). On days 8 and 28 postpartum, the animals were weighted and subjected to the glucose tolerance and insulin challenge tests. The treatment promoted weight loss (ABC 40.4kg, CON 10.73kg, P< 0.05) and increased AST (ABC 62.92 ±3.31U/L, CON 53.11 ±3.49U/L, P< 0.05) and CK levels (ABC 134.09 ±19.08U/L, CON 79.43 ±18.27U/L). Glucose metabolism (area under the curve) did not differ (P> 0.05) among groups on days 8 and 28; however, ABC animals showed higher serum glucose levels (P< 0.05) after insulin administration on day 28 postpartum (97.54 ±8.54mg/dL) when compared to day 8 (83.01 ±8.54mg/dL). It could be concluded that the combined use of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin interferes positively with the adaptation of glucose metabolism in dairy cows in early lactation.(AU)

Prepartum administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) on adaptation to subclinical ketosis of the ewes and performance of the lambs / Administração pré-parto de somatotropina bovina recombinante (rBST) na adaptação da cetose subclínica de ovelhas e no desempenho dos cordeiros

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prepartum rbST injection on the metabolic profile of pregnant ewes induced to subclinical ketosis, as well as the metabolism until seven days of life and weight gain until seven weeks of life of the lambs. Twenty seven pregnant ewes of the pantaneiro genetic group were used, divided into two groups: rbST group (n = 14) and control group (n = 13). The rbST group received two applications of 1 mg/kg of rbST, at 97 and 111 days gestation, while the control group received placebo injections. There were significant differences between groups in levels of GGT in the ketosis post induction period and BHB concentrations in the postpartum period. Concentrations of glucose, urea, phosphorus, albumin, cholesterol, AST, NEFA and insulin were not different between dams from the two groups in different periods of the study (P>0.05). There was an effect of rbST on body weight observed already at fourteen days of life (P<0.0001), there was an increase in serum phosphorus levels at birth of lambs (P=0.0014), and albumin at seven days of life (P = 0.0014) of the lambs, with no difference between groups for the other metabolites. Therefore, the use of rbST was effective in increasing the weight of the lambs until the seventh week of life. In addition, rbST treatment had positive effects on the dam metabolism with reduction of liver overload, as indicated by decreased GGT after ketosis induction and decreased BHB at the postpartum period.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito da administração pré-parto de rbST sobre o perfil metabólico de ovelhas induzidas à cetose subclínica, assim como sobre o metabolismo até sete dias de vida e ganho de peso até sete semanas de vida dos cordeiros. Vinte e sete ovelhas prenhas do grupo genético pantaneiro foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo rbST (n = 14) e grupo controle (n = 13). O grupo rbST recebeu duas aplicações de 1mg/kg de rbST, aos 97 e 111 dias de gestação, ao passo que o grupo controle recebeu injeções de placebo. Houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos nos níveis de GGT no período de pós-indução de cetose e concentrações de BHB no período pós-parto. As concentrações de glicose, ureia, fósforo, albumina, colesterol, AST, NEFA e insulina não foram diferentes entre os grupos nos diferentes períodos do estudo (P>0,05). Houve um efeito de rbST no peso corporal dos cordeiros já observado nos 14 dias de vida (P<0,0001), verificou-se um aumento dos níveis séricos de fósforo ao nascimento de cordeiros (P=0,0014) e albumina de sete dias de vida (P=0,0014 ), e não houve diferença entre os grupos para os outros metabólitos. Portanto, a utilização de rbST foi eficaz em aumentar o peso dos cordeiros até a sétima semana de vida. Além disso, a aplicação de rbST teve efeitos positivos no metabolismo com a redução da sobrecarga do fígado, como indicado pela diminuição da GGT após a indução da cetose e diminuição de BHB no período pós-parto.

Growth performance, carcass traits, meat chemical composition and blood serum metabolites of broiler chicken fed on diets containing flaxseed oil.

1. This study evaluated the effects of diets with partial and total substitution of soya bean oil (SO) with flaxseed (linseed) oil (FO) on broiler chicken performance, carcass traits, meat chemical composition and blood serum metabolites. 2. A total of 448 one-d-old Cobb 500 broiler chicken were used. They were allotted among 4 treatments with 8 replications, using a completely randomised design, for 35 d. Four diets were compared: T1 = 100% SO (3%, 1-7 d; 4%, 8-21 d; and 5%, 22-35 d); T2 = 50% SO + 50% FO; T3 = 25% SO + 75% FO and T4 = 100% FO. 3. No significant differences were observed in body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and blood serum metabolites (total triglycerides, TRI; total cholesterol, CHO; high-density lipoprotein, HDL; low-density lipoprotein, LDL; glucose, GLU; albumin, ALB; globulin, GLO; and total proteins, TPs). Significant effects were observed for TRI, CHO, HDL, GLU, HDL, LDL, ALB and GLO with regard to the day of collection. 4. Carcass traits did not show significant differences for the treatments. No significant differences were observed for breast and drumstick chemical compositions, with the exception of drumstick fat concentration (quadratic effect). 5. In conclusion, the partial or total substitution of SO with FO did not affect growth performance, carcass traits, meat chemical composition or blood serum profile in broiler chicken. Therefore, FO can be an alternative to SO in the diet formulation for broiler chicken.

On the fast lane: mitochondria structure, dynamics and function in growing pollen tubes.

The structure, distribution and possible roles of mitochondria in growing pollen tubes is reviewed. Diverse microscopical methods have been applied to the analysis of mitochondria in pollen, with a predominance in recent years on vital fluorescent probes. We review the application of different dyes to pollen tubes, with a special emphasis on the ratiometric dye JC-1. Morphometric data shows a concentration of mitochondria in the subapical area of pollen tubes, apparently with more frequency of mitochondria with membrane depolarization when compared with the rest of the tube. Remarkably, data from various species and from transcriptomics indicates that different species may have different respiratory adaptations, ranging from high oxygen consumption in the early steps of germination, to energy production and growth on almost anoxic conditions. Various studies also showed that the pollen of many species is refractory to some common respiration inhibitors, including the ones from the alternative pathway. Given the conspicuous distribution and apparent subapical accumulation of mitochondria, we speculate on their functional relationship with known apical ion gradients that seem to characterize pollen tubes.

Angle-closure glaucoma after piggyback intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To report a case of angle closure glaucoma after piggyback intraocular lens implantation and its treatment. METHODS: The authors present the case of a 75-year-old woman who was seen in the emergency department with angle closure glaucoma. Two years before she had undergone piggyback intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in order to correct a refractive error after cataract surgery. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed a closed angle with synechiae in 360 degrees as well as the presence of two IOLs: one in the capsular bag and the other in the ciliary sulcus. Extraction of the anterior IOL was precluded due to the poor endothelial count. Peripheral iridotomy and trabeculectomy were ineffective to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP); the authors decided to implant with an Ahmed valve and to place the valve's tube between the two IOLs to protect the endothelium. RESULTS: After Ahmed valve implantation, IOP maintains stable around 10-12 mmHg without medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Ahmed valve implantation is a good option in angle closure glaucoma due to piggyback. The placement of the valve's tube between the two IOLs is a good option to protect corneal endothelium.

The contribution of extensin network formation to rapid, hydrogen peroxide-mediated increases in grapevine callus wall resistance to fungal lytic enzymes.

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. Touriga) callus cell walls contain a high level of the monomeric extensin, GvP1. Hydrogen peroxide stimulus of these cultures causes the rapid loss of monomeric GvP1, concomitant with marked increases in insoluble GvP1 amino acids and wall resistance to digestion by fungal lytic enzymes. JIM11 immunolocalization studies indicated that monomeric and network GvP1 were evenly distributed in the callus cell wall. These primary cell walls were used to investigate the specific contribution of extensin and other ionically bound cell-wall proteins to hydrogen peroxide-mediated increases in resistance to fungal lytic enzymes. This was performed by removing ionically-bound proteins and assaying for hydrogen peroxide-enhanced resistance after the addition of selected protein fractions. The results indicate that hydrogen peroxide-induced increases in resistance to digestion by fungal lytic enzymes require a co-operative action between network extensin formation and the electrostatic interaction of additional wall proteins with the extracellular matrix.

Combined spatial, contrast, and temporal functions perimetry in mild glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic ability of a new perimetric procedure in glaucoma. METHODS: Pulsar perimeter shows white circular sinusoidal grating patterns with decreasing amplitude, 5 in diameter, 500 msec in duration in 66 locations. The stimuli scale combines spatial resolution and contrast. The stimuli were shown with centrifugal wave motion at 8 cyl/deg (K6W) or pulse at 30 Hz (T30W). Fifty-six normal eyes and 82 eyes with ocular hypertension and mild glaucoma were included. These 82 cases were classified into four levels of diagnostic certainty, from 0 (ocular hypertension) to 3 (mild glaucoma). RESULTS: Mean examination time was 3:49 min. Specificity was 96.4% (T30W) and 94.6% (K6W). Sensitivities for levels 0 and 3 were 34.5% to 100% (T30W) and 24.1% to 75% (K6W). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve areas for T30W at levels 1, 2, and 3 were 0.88, 0.94, and 0.99. The ROC areas for K6W were 0.83, 0.91, and 0.97. There was good correlation between both Pulsar perimetries (r=0.88), but it was lower with conventional perimetry (r=0.58 for T30W and r=0.59 for K6W). CONCLUSIONS: The novel Pulsar T30W perimetry may be helpful for the study of mild glaucoma and ocular hypertension. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2004; 14: 514-22).

Ion fluxes, auxin and the induction of elongation growth in Nicotiana tabacum cells.

Immobilized cultured tobacco cells become polarized upon the addition of naphthalene-1-acetic acid and start to elongate from an initial spherical shape. The question as to how a diffuse-growing cell forms a polar axis is addressed here with approaches successfully applied to the study of tip growth. With two kinds of vibrating probes the electric current flow and proton fluxes were mapped around such elongating cells. No consistent polar pattern of ion fluxes, which is typical for actively tip-growing cells, was detected. Therefore, other signals must provide the positional information needed for polar axis formation. Furthermore, neither a specific pattern of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration nor a polar distribution of putative ion-channel antagonist-binding sites were found in elongating tobacco cells. Auxin flux, on the other hand, was found to be important as TIBA, an inhibitor of polar auxin transport, clearly inhibited elongation in a concentration-dependent way. Cross-linking of arabinogalactan-proteins with the beta-Yariv reagent also resulted in inhibition of elongation. A model is proposed for the induction of polar growth where localized auxin efflux starts a signal cascade that triggers molecules that reorient microtubules. These then guide cellulose deposition in the cell wall, which in turn alters cell wall mechanics and leads to elongation. In this scheme, arabinogalactan-proteins are not causal agents but are probably important regulators of growth and survival of the cell.

Visualization of meiotic events in intact living anthers by means of two-photon microscopy.

In this paper we describe the application of two-photon microscopy (2 PM) to the study of meiosis in plants. Fresh, unfixed anthers of Agapanthus umbelatus were briefly incubated on a minimal medium containing the DNA fluorophore DAPI. DAPI incorporation took place in about 30 min and nuclei and other DNA-containing organelles kept their fluorescence for more than 24 h. Using PM it was possible to optically section the whole, unfixed anthers to a depth of approximately 200 microm. This was up to the mid sagital section and into the sporogenic tissue. Several meiotic figures were observed with unparalleled resolution. Sequences of nuclear dynamics and division were occasionally observed in the surrounding tissues and epidermal layer of cells. However we could not optimize the procedures up to the level of observing the dynamics of division on the meiotic nuclei as well. We hypothesize that either (1) meiotic cells are sensitive to the reasonably high excitation levels of infrared light needed to attain such penetration in the tissue, or (2) that our incubation procedures are not sufficiently non-invasive for meiosis to remain unperturbed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on direct observation of living meiotic cells in plants and establishes the potential of 2 PM for intact organ research.

Cellular oscillations and the regulation of growth: the pollen tube paradigm.

The occurrence of oscillatory behaviours in living cells can be viewed as a visible consequence of stable, regulatory homeostatic cycles. Therefore, they may be used as experimental windows on the underlying physiological mechanisms. Recent studies show that growing pollen tubes are an excellent biological model for these purposes. They unite experimental simplicity with clear oscillatory patterns of both structural and temporal features, most being measurable during real-time in live cells. There is evidence that these cellular oscillators involve an integrated input of plasma membrane ion fluxes, and a cytosolic choreography of protons, calcium and, most likely, potassium and chloride. In turn, these can create positive feedback regulation loops that are able to generate and self-sustain a number of spatial and temporal patterns. Other features, including cell wall assembly and rheology, turgor, and the cytoskeleton, play important roles and are targets or modulators of ion dynamics. Many of these features have similarities with other cell types, notably with apical-growing cells. Pollen tubes may thus serve as a powerful model for exploring the basis of cell growth and morphogenesis. BioEssays 23:86-94, 2001.

Differential contribution of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and Ca2+ influx to gamete fusion and egg activation in maize.

In multicellular organisms, gamete fusion triggers a set of events, collectively known as egg activation, that leads to the development of a new individual. Every species that has been studied shows at least one rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]Cyt) after gamete fusion which is believed to be involved in activation. Yet the source and regulation of this Ca2+ signal and the way it is transduced inside the zygote are controversial. In higher plants, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has enabled the description of a rise in [Ca2+]Cyt (ref. 4) that is sufficient for activation, and of a Ca2+ influx that spreads as a wavefront from the fusion site The relationship between these two responses is unknown. Using a new combination of methods that simultaneously monitor the extracellular flux with a Ca2+-vibrating probe, and [Ca2+]Cyt by widefield imaging, we directly determined that the Ca2+ influx precedes the [Ca2+]Cyt elevation by 40-120 s. In addition, results from experiments using the Ca2+-channel inhibitor gadolinium (Gd3+) suggest that the Ca2+ influx may be necessary for sperm incorporation. We also present evidence for a putative sperm-dependent Gd3+-insensitive localized Ca2+ influx confined to the fusion point.